Most likely to graduate?

11 comments

1. Podz.

2. Bains because he can PK.
   Aman can hopefully be a 4th like option next year.

3. * Podkolzin, Bains, Karlsson, and McWard will call up eventually
   * Hirose needs to train harder and I hope he becomes better
   * Raty and McDonough both need more development in the AHL
   * Let Silovs play in the AHL the whole season
   * Schmiemann is surprisingly doing well and I’m impressed

4. In terms of being a full-time NHLer, I’d say Bains is actually the most likely. Pods, Raty, Aman McWard, and Hirose all have a reasonably high chance (in that order). Afterwards there’s a varying bunch of unlikely maybes (notably McDonough, Klimovich, Sasson, Karlsson)

5. I could see 1/2-2/3 of these guys playing games this year.

   Not saying that’s “graduated”, but theres a lot of different call up options.

6. I have a good feeling Bains will get some NHL reps. If he can play well in a bottom six PK role, that could turn into an extended stint with the team.

   For Podz, a call up could be a sign of good faith from management that they like what he’s done in the AHL and that his play ought to be rewarded by playing in the NHL. On the other hand, giving Podz the entire season to develop in the AHL might give him all of the tools he needs for a big campaign in 24-25.

   I’ve always been fond of Aman and I think that if it’s not Bains getting the call up, it has to be him. Tocchet’s mentioned that he’d love to get Aman up on the NHL roster if it can work with the cap. He’s got what it takes to be competent on the 4th line. If they do keep him down for the season, I hope it will be to really fine tune his game as a centre.

7. Bains gunning for Beauvilliers spot. He can fill the same role at a fraction of the cost.

8. Woo

9. If Bains can put up those numbers while playing a sound overall game (which sounds like he is according to the GM) then he has to get a chance.

   Podz comes first once he becomes healthy since his development path is more sensitive, is more proven, fits the Tocchet blueprint and has produced beyond expectation so far.

   Obviously McWard and Hirose will probably come up as well. Hirose has some low stats here but he always impressed me with his steady reads at the NHL level. Both of those guys look like they could become solid NHL defensemen.

   Silovs might get a shot this year but it will probably take one of the goalies not being 100%.

10. Outside of maybe beau i dont think anyone on forward is an improvement over the guys on our roster atm. Studnika has been solid too, so anyone coming in would need to jump him, bluger (when healthy) and at least 1 forward in the lineup.

    Baines is making a stong case for himself. Likely to get games and could be the guy up if theres injuries or trades on the wing. Hes young enough you dont want him in the pressbox, though, so hed have to be one of the top 8 wingers if hes here full time. Id guess he gets his full time shot next season.

    Aman has proven capable of 4th line minutes and could be up, but hes also young enough that id rather he play big minutes on the farm than ride the pressbox. Id guess next season for him to be full time too.

    Dries on the other hand is steady and could easily be a full time extra guy if a spot shakes lose too. Id say hes the most likely forward to “graduate” to the team full time since he can be in the pressbox without development worries, so he doesnt have to beat out anyone already on the team to get a spot. One trade or long term injury and hes up imo.

    McWard is a few terrible myers games away from being our permanent 3 RD until bear is back if we cant make a trade imo. Id say hes also likely to “graduate” at some point this season. Woo also has a shot at that spot if he keeps up his play.

    All the other guys are either not as good as our current players, or would benefit more from bigger minutes and lesser competition in the ahl (including pods imo id like to see him light it up down there all or most of the season, especially given his injury). Theres a lot of guys that are good depth options and could see some games but i doubt anyone else has a real shot to make the team full time as of now.

11. I’m honestly most excited for Hirose and McWard to be our third pair D. Hirose needs to seriously beef up but the fact that he can hang in there with his size just shows how crazy good he is.

    Of the forward group, Pod is mostly likely gonna be called up along with Bains.

    I’m worried if either of our goalies get hurt. Silovs has not looked good this year in the AHL and Tolopilo has only played a few games (albeit really well)